Missing All-Star Game a real pain in the adductor

Man, this really hurts. And I’m not just talking about the adductor strain, which I’m learning all about from our medical staff. The timing of it really hurts. There’s no good time to get injured, of course, but I was really looking forward to playing in the All-Star Game in St. Louis. Nobody would have had a better time than me and my family and friends.

Where I grew up, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the Cardinals were everybody’s team. I learned the game from my granddad, who watched baseball every day. I had family and friends coming to St. Louis to enjoy the whole show with me, and now I can’t play. It’s disappointing. Very disappointing. I still have the tickets, and they can go to all the functions if they want, but it won’t be the same.

I really wanted to be in my first All-Star Game representing the Angels, representing Arkansas, and I’m on the DL. That was not my plan at all. I’m just very sorry this happened the way it did. I appreciate all the votes, all the fans who wanted me to play in the game. That means a lot to me.

I knew I had a problem on Tuesday night when I couldn’t beat out a throw on a double play ball. I just couldn’t get a burst down the line. I came in after the game and was feeling bad, and finally told the trainers. It’s been bothering me for a while. Remember a while back, when we were in Arizona, and I sat at my locker for the longest time after the game, kind of daydreaming? My leg was killing me that day.

On Wednesday they wanted to put me on the DL right away, but I was fighting it. I was hoping it would come around quickly, but this morning it was still pretty sore. Every time the trainers touch it, it’s sore.

That’s just not in my DNA, going on the DL. It took a broken ankle in 2005 to get me on it with the Twins. We haven’t talked yet about the rehab plan, but I might have to stay here during the break and have it worked on. We’ll see how that goes. The big thing, the most important thing, is being healthy for the final two months. I don’t want to miss a game, an inning, down the stretch. We’re in a race for this division, and that’s what matters most to all of us.

The timeline for coming back is two to three weeks. Hopefully, it’s not that long.

I know I have to be smarter sometimes about going after balls and running into walls, but it’s in my blood. I’m a competitor. I’ve run into a wall in a 10-zero game. The one in San Francisco on June 15, when we were leading 8-zero, I probably should have played that one off the wall. But the one at Dodger Stadium on May 22, I had no regrets about that one. I caught that ball, and we won a close game. It goes with the turf. Besides, I know how to protect myself, how to cushion the blow. I’ve gone into enough walls by now.

It will be tough watching us play, along with big Vladimir Guerrero, who’s also out for a while with the muscle strain behind his left knee. But this team has a lot of heart. We battle. Most of the time, no matter how far down we are, we’re going to come back. We’ve had a lot of late-inning comebacks, rallies. That’s one thing about this club — we’re going to keep battling, keep banging.

Once again, before I sign off, I want to thank all the people out there who voted for me for the All-Star Game. I’ve been blessed to play for some great fans, and I value that relationship tremendously.

I’ll be back, ready to go. There’s still a lot of season left, and we plan to make it memorable.

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19 Comments

Torii, you are a class act. We loved you when you were in Minnesota (even as Angel fans) – and we love you more, now that you are in Anaheim! You are going to be missed on the field, especially at the All-Star game. Keep smiling!!

Mr Hunter
Though I too am disappointed that you won’t be starting in this all star game in St louis.. you’re health is way more important! So i say take a looooong rest because you deserve it! Whether you play or not you’re still an all star to me every single year and every single day! And I’m pretty sure (trrrruuuust me i’m good with these kinda things) that many many people feel the same way. Angel fan or non angel fan. You’re THAT awesome! We really are going to miss you man (same with Vladdy) what are the angels gonna do without the heart of the lineup? I’m sure we’ll survive somehow like we always do. All i know is that as hard as we get hit these guys always seem to bounce back up.. This is the most resilient team I ever passionately rooter for! Heck this is the ONLY team I passionately rooted for :D So in closing i THANK YOU for being the best center fielder/person you can possibly be for us fans. Boy are we lucky to have you. Take it easy so we can push to get ourselves another Al west division crown because October baseball is the best baseball don’t you think?
much love

To call Mr. Hunter a class act is an understatement, he is the very definition of a classy ballplayer, and he makes me proud to call myself an Angels fan. Torii, our hearts and prayers go out for your speedy recovery.

I was at the game Tuesday, sitting on the right field line and saw Guerrero go down. It looked bad and I was worried about him. But then on Wednesday when I heard you would be out too, I was really surprised and I immediately realized you wouldn’t be able to play in St. Louis. I can’t even imagine how that must feel.

But I’d still vote for you again and I hope you make a speedy recovery so you can help the Angels get back to the play offs.

Sorry about your untimely injury. I know you’ll come back 100% though. I have a question for you…I am a young ballplayer who constantly struggles at the plate with fear of being hit by the pitch. I think that its really affecting my hitting ability and my progress…I was wondering if you had any tips or wisdom you could share with me about beating this. I know that your schedule is extremely busy, but maybe you could find a minute to post something on your blog or send me an email…my address is: Sammio43@AIM.com.

Sorry about your untimely injury. I know you’ll come back 100% though. I have a question for you…I am a young ballplayer who constantly struggles at the plate with fear of being hit by the pitch. I think that its really affecting my hitting ability and my progress…I was wondering if you had any tips or wisdom you could share with me about beating this. I know that your schedule is extremely busy, but maybe you could find a minute to post something on your blog or send me an email…my address is: Sammio43@AIM.com.

I found this blog while trying to find out why you were on the DL. I hope it’s not inside of your thigh or groin strain as this is painful and takes time to fully heal. All of us will pray for your speedy recovery.

I’ve never sent a professional athlete a letter or email however I believe it’s important for you “Torii Hunter” to know how you’ve been an inspiration to so many young ball players who dream to play professional ball (especially for those here in Southern CA). Keep up the good work in all you do. You?re a testament to baseball through the dedication you show on and off the field.

Best Reagrds,
BG
PS. I’ve visited Pine Bluff as I have family in Hot Springs Villiage.

I can’t belive I’m sending you a message however I belive it’s important for you to know how you’ve been an inspiration to so many young ball players who dream to play professional ball esppecially for those here in Southern CA. Keep up the good work in all you do. Your a testement to baseball through the dedication you show on and off the field.

I can’t belive I’m sending you a message however I belive it’s important for you to know how you’ve been an inspiration to so many young ball players who dream to play professional ball esppecially for those here in Southern CA. Keep up the good work in all you do. Your a testement to baseball through the dedication you show on and off the field.

Torii, Our thoughts and prayers are with you for a quick recovery.
Your skills will be missed on the field, but your spirit and work ethic are an inspiration to all, everyday. Rest up, take care of yourself and know that we all will make sure you get to the all star game next year. J and P

Torii,
You are truly the best player any fan could admire and i do that. You inspired me at a very young age and you still do ecspecially now that i am entering my second year of american legion baseball for my high school. You are truly a class act and my idol. Torii, please don’t change thing, ecspecially running into walls because that show great courage and bravery, and that what inspires me the most.

Well no one deserves to be on the All Star team than Torii Hunter. No question about it. And while I think it sucks that an injury is keeping him out of the game, I am greatful that he is gonna get some rest and enough time to recover.

Although it sucks that you won’t be in the All-Star game, I’m sure we’ll be voting for you next year too… and next year we get to host it in Anaheim. As an Angels fan, it sure makes it tough to get excited about the game when we’ve only got one guy on the roster.

Do try to admit when you’re hurt sooner, though… trying to tough it out can only make the healing take longer.

Torii this must be a complete heart ache for you. Just when you were voted in to play at the All Star game and to have your family and friends there to cheer you on. You must also know that this was a very big accomplishment and that you have to be so proud that you worked so hard to be the best you can be. You must know how very proud all of your fans are of your hard work and how very important you are to your team. They say, every thing happens for a reason. Rest, take care of your injury. The fans need to see you out on the field, healthy and fighting you hardest. Take the time to take good care of your body. Take the time to prepare for the hardest part of this season. I will keep you in my prayers for a speedy recovery.

Torii,
I can only imagine how tough this is for you, we would have loved to see you on the field last night even if it was just for the opening ceremonies but you need to rest and take care of yourself!!! We love you and can’t wait to see you back in action as we press on to the playoffs and beyond ; ) I know you were proud of Figgins getting there even if it was the last minute and he didn’t get to play he still made it as you hoped would have loved to have seen the Ozzie flip but I think we need to keep him healthy that’s why he was called last minute no time to flip :).
Take Care of yourself Mr. Torii Hunter~you are a 1 in a million and my family and I are glad the Angels have you!!!
Love the Overturf family from Whittier, California

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